Karl John Nock

Karl John Nock of Kalamazoo passed away May 8, 2020 in Kalamazoo. Karl was born November 2, 1934 in Kalamazoo, the son of Frank and Mary (Hegedus) Nock. He attended Washington and St. Joseph grade schools through tenth grade, and graduated in 1953 from St. Augustine High where he lettered in football, basketball and track and loved all sports. He attended WMU from ’53 to ’55, then served in the US Army from ’56 to ’58 earning an honorable discharge as a Spec. 4. Karl began his career with the General Gas Light and Miller Lumber Co.; then started in 1955 with Consumers Power Co., retiring in 1996 after 41 years of service. While there, he was active in the Utility Workers Union of America Local 150. He served on their executive board for 22 years, holding the position of President for 18 years from ’75 to ’93. Karl also served his community, with the Community Chest (now United Way) as labor participation chairman in 1969. Karl served many years on the Speaker’s Bureau for the United Way and a Delegate on the Kalamazoo Labor Council for many years. He enjoyed bowling in several leagues. Especially bowling with his brother, Frank. Karl also enjoyed working in his garden, golfing, watching sports on TV and fishing, where he spent many weeks in Canada. He was also a proud member of Comstock VFW Post 6562, serving as president of the Men’s Auxiliary from 2002, a position he held for 52 months. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law Scott Gregg and a step-son Robert Mattimore. Surviving are his children Carol (Joe) VanDenBerg, Susan (Robert) Friedlander, Jr. Michael J. (Sandy Glasser) Nock and Elizabeth M. Gregg; grandchildren Justin, Michael VanDenBerg and Joshua (Stacie) VanDenBerg ,who are expecting Karl’s first great grandchild this fall: Cody, Andrew, Caitlyn Gregg ,step-children Paula (David) McMillan Rebecca (Steve) Bos, and Scott Campbell and several step-grandchildren; brother Frank (Marti) Nock, of and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Burial has taken place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net